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Miami opens tournament against Southern Mississippi

Nov 21, 2008 - 11:22 AM Southern Mississippi (2-0) vs. No. 16 Miami (1-0), 1:00 p.m. EST

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (Ticker) -- Nearly one year ago, Miami used an early season tournament to ignite an unprecedented turnaround. This season, it's hoping a tournament will give the team a measuring stick of how good it can be.

The 16th-ranked Hurricanes kick off the Paradise Jam on Friday when they take on Southern Mississippi.

Last season, Miami defeated Marist, Virginia Commonwealth and Providence en route to the Puerto Rico Tip-Off title. The three wins from November 15-18 were part of a 12-0 start and helped the Hurricanes become the first team in Atlantic Coast Conference history to win 20 games one season after losing 20.

A win could potentially set up a semifinal matchup on Sunday with second-ranked Connecticut, which is taking on La Salle in the first round. San Diego, Valparaiso, Iona and No. 22 Wisconsin are also in the tournament.

Jack McClinton scored 18 points and Dwayne Collins had 18 and 16 rebounds in the Hurricanes' season-opening 96-60 victory over Florida Southern last Saturday.

The Golden Eagles (2-0) have won their first two contests by double digits.

Jeremy Wise leads the team in scoring at 24.5 points and the junior netted 26 in Southern Mississippi's 74-61 victory over Alabama State on Tuesday.